Kate and Geoff: Illuminated Woodland Elegance at Casa Grande, Rancho Dos Pueblos

When I get to be involved from the beginning of the planning process, it’s my absolute favorite! After our initial meeting and reviewing the design planning worksheet I have my clients fill out, I went to work, and the planning months following were filled with lots of adventure and detail implementing Kate’s dream of “woodland rustic elegance”.

One of the benefits to hiring a professional planner is that he/she knows exactly the perfect event partners to make up the dream team who will implement the client’s vision .

Wedding Day Story Highlights: Guests arrived to professional valet services and as they meandered to the ceremony site, they enjoyed welcome beverages and every three steps, a sign detailing the words Geoff used to propose to Kate on a run/hike. Rancho Dos Pueblos is on the coast, and the coastal fog rolled in the backdrop as the couple said their vows (check out the images below – you cannot pay for that kind of special effects outdoors in the daytime)! After Kate and Geoff said “I do”, guests adjourned to the grotto for appetizers and cocktails. The “escort cards” were shot glasses with Kate and Geoff’s name, wedding date, with the guest’s name and table number speared into each shot glass with a lime – and a sign on the table inviting guests to “take a shot, take a seat”. As guests were invited over to the dinner area and took their seats, a wonderful display of amuse bouches (see photos below) awaited them on the table. This is one of my favorite parts of the dining experience for any sized group when entertaining. There is always that moment when guests sit down, get acquainted with those around them and are awaiting wine service or the first course. Amuse-bouche does exactly what it translates to: entertains the palate. It’s a great way to segue from sitting down to the amazing meal about to be served. Award-winning, full service Santa Barbara caterer Catering Connection provided the meal experience of a lifetime and guests enjoyed dancing the night away under the stars with gorgeous, dramatic lighting.

*Shot glasses as escort “cards” |*
*photo by SBWCWE staff*

It took a village to produce this event at a logistically -challenging historic venue, but everyone pulled together to create the masterpiece you see below in the photos: Planner: Kerry Lee Doehr of Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events | Venue: Rancho Dos Pueblos, Casa Grande | Catering: Catering Connection | Professional Bartending Service: Liquid Cult | Rentals: Ventura Rental Party & Events | Floral Design: Vignette | | Lighting: SPARK Creative Events | Valet: Blue Star Parking & Valet | Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Tony Ybarra | Ceremony, Dinner and Dancing Reception DJ + MC: Bouquet Sound | Cake: Chooket | Hair/Makeup: TEAM Hair & Makeup | Private Sedans: A&J Limousine | Photography: Deborah Kalas | After-party transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley | Hollywood-style portable restroom trailers with restroom attendant: Marborg